Database is an application that is used to store information in a structured way. It is a collection of records or data in an organized form. A database is an organized collection of related information that allows the storage of different types of record with appropriate interconnections. Databases are designed to offer an organized mechanism for storing, managing and retrieving information. Database operates through the use of tables.
CONCEPT OF DATABASE
The idea of database came as a result of how people keep files in an office cabinet. In the ancient time, there were no computers and most fillings and storing were done manually. This allows redundancy of data and time wastage.
Advantages of Database
- It enables file or document sharing
- It allows consistency of data.
- It saves time.
- No data redundancy.
- It allows full file access.
Disadvantages of Database
- It is expensive to maintain.
- It requires experienced database administrator.
- It requires sophisticated software.
DATA BASE TERMINOLOGIES
- Table: a table is the basic unit of a database. It is a collection of related data about a specific subject. The table is divided into rows and columns.
- Field: this is an area reserved for each piece of individual data, such as student ID, No etc.
- Record: A record is a group of related fields pertaining to one person, place or thing. Databases consist of records and each record represents one item in a database.
- Key field: A key field or primary key is a field that uniquely identifies each record in a file. The data in a key field is unique to a specific record.
- File: is a collection of related records. If you work with a computer, you are already working with files.
SUMMARY
- Database is a collection of inter related files or tables.
- File: is a collection of related records.
- Record: is a collection of related fields.
- Field: is the smallest unit of data about a person, thing, place, etc.
GENERAL EVALUATION
- List and explain TWO database terminologies.
- Explain database concept.
- What is file?
- List and explain two database terminologies.
- What is database?
- Mention TWO advantages and TWO disadvantages of database.
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
- ……………..is a group of related fields pertaining to one person or thing. A. Record B. Database B. File C. Key D. Table
- The basic unit of database is ……………………. A. record B. database B. file C. key D. table
- An application that is used to store information in a structured way is called…………. A. record B. database B. file C. key D. table
- Database allows……………….A. storage of large information B. allows redundant data C. none D. all
- Which of the term does not relate to database? A. key B. record C. file D. none
THEORY
- What is a table in database?
- Differentiate between row and column
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